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In a move set to ease the cost-of-living pressures on older residents, the Victorian Government has announced that from 1 January 2026, seniors across the state will enjoy free public transport on weekends. This new policy, unveiled in the 2025–26 State Budget, aims to make travel more accessible and affordable for older Victorians, especially those living on fixed incomes or relying on pensions.
This initiative will allow Victorian Seniors Card holders to travel for free on trains, trams, buses, and V/Line coaches every weekend, regardless of distance or fare zones. The state government estimates the policy will benefit over 650,000 seniors and save individuals more than $360 per year in travel costs.
A Bold Step Toward Accessible Transport
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan emphasised that this policy is part of a broader push to help residents manage everyday expenses in the face of economic uncertainty.
“We know that for many seniors, transport costs can add up. We’re giving them more freedom to move around our state without worrying about the price of a ticket,” Allan said.
This measure expands the scope of previous concession travel benefits, which only allowed seniors to travel for free in two adjacent fare zones. From 2026, seniors will be able to hop on public transport from Melbourne to Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, or Gippsland, without paying a cent on weekends.
How It Works
To access free weekend travel, eligible passengers must carry their Victorian Seniors Card and use a Seniors myki card. While the card must still be tapped on and off as usual, no fare will be deducted for travel between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday. On weekdays, the existing 50% discount for seniors will still apply.
The policy will cover all 16 fare zones across Victoria, making regional travel more feasible for seniors who wish to visit family, attend events, or simply explore new parts of the state.
Social Inclusion and Well-being
Free public transport is not just about financial savings—it also promotes social wellbeing. Many seniors experience social isolation due to mobility barriers, especially in regional areas with limited transport options.
Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams believes this initiative will empower older Victorians to stay connected with their communities.
“Whether it’s a trip to see grandchildren, meet friends, or attend local activities, this policy makes public transport a better option—especially for those who rely on it most.”
For seniors living in rural towns or outer suburbs, weekend travel often meant long waits or high costs. Free access to reliable transport can encourage greater independence and spontaneous travel.
Community Support and Reactions
Advocacy groups like COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria have welcomed the announcement. They see the move as a recognition of seniors' contributions to society and a meaningful investment in their quality of life.
However, some economic commentators have raised concerns over the cost of the initiative. The senior transport measure is expected to cost $2.2 million over four years, while a similar policy offering free weekday travel for children under 18 will cost over $318 million during the same period.
Critics argue that the government should focus on improving the reliability and frequency of transport services, especially in regional areas, rather than offering free fares. Still, supporters say both objectives are not mutually exclusive and that the policy sends a strong signal of equity and inclusion.
Building on a Broader Vision
This announcement is part of a larger public transport investment strategy in the Victorian Budget. Projects include:
These developments are designed to future-proof Victoria’s transport system as the population grows and travel demand evolves.
What It Means for Seniors
Weekend Travel, Free and Unlimited
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the initiative is the free public transport on weekends, available to all Victorian Seniors Card holders. This allows older adults to travel across all fare zones — including regional destinations — without spending a dollar.
For seniors who may live on fixed incomes, this benefit means that visiting children, attending religious services, or even enjoying a quiet trip to the beach is now within easy reach, financially and logistically. The freedom to roam without worrying about the cost of fares is expected to bring about a marked improvement in the mental well-being of many elderly residents.
“I used to think twice before heading into the city to visit my grandchildren on the weekends,” shared Margaret, 72, from Geelong. “Now, I can hop on the train without checking my balance first.”
50% Weekday Discount: Support for Everyday Needs
While the weekends bring unlimited access, the initiative also extends its benefits into the week with a 50% discount on all public transport fares from Monday to Friday. This means substantial savings for seniors who still engage in regular activities like medical appointments, volunteering, grocery shopping, and social events.
The weekday discount acknowledges that public transport is a necessity, not a luxury, for many seniors. Lower fare costs during peak utility times ensure that essential travel remains affordable, further reducing the risk of isolation and disengagement from everyday life.
Simple and Inclusive Eligibility
One of the program’s strengths is its straightforward eligibility criteria. Any Victorian resident who is aged 60 and above and holds a Victorian Seniors Card is eligible to receive these transport benefits. There's no application process beyond the standard Seniors Card registration, making it both accessible and inclusive.
This simplicity eliminates bureaucratic hurdles that often discourage seniors from availing themselves of government benefits. For new retirees or those unfamiliar with digital systems, the ease of access makes all the difference.
Building Bridges Through Better Mobility
The broader impact of this initiative goes beyond individual savings. By reducing financial barriers to travel, seniors will now find it easier to participate in community events, stay connected with friends and family, and maintain independence.
Isolation and loneliness are significant concerns among Australia’s elderly population, with mobility often cited as a contributing factor. By providing free and discounted transport, the Victorian Government is addressing a key driver of disengagement.
"Having accessible transport means so much more than just getting from A to B," said a spokesperson from a Melbourne senior advocacy group. "It means being able to live fully, maintain independence, and feel valued."
A Step Toward Age-Friendly Cities
This initiative also aligns with the World Health Organisation's concept of age-friendly cities, which prioritises infrastructure and services that support the needs of older adults. Public transport plays a central role in this vision, and Victoria’s move could set a national benchmark for senior support services.
Improved transport access allows seniors to participate more actively in the economy, attend educational and wellness programs, and contribute through volunteer work or caregiving roles. These are often overlooked ways in which seniors enrich society — and improved mobility supports all of them.
This is where furnished, self-contained accommodation like that offered by Corporate Keys becomes highly relevant. With apartments located in key suburbs like Southbank, Docklands, and Richmond, Corporate Keys properties provide safe, comfortable, and fully equipped living spaces ideal for older adults.
Looking Ahead
While the policy won’t come into effect until early 2026, it already marks a significant cultural shift in how governments view senior mobility. By lifting transport barriers, Victoria is acknowledging that movement is key not just to economic activity, but also to dignity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Whether it’s a train ride to the seaside, a tram trip to a museum, or a coach journey to the countryside, seniors will soon have the freedom to move without the financial burden.
As the Victorian population ages, policies like this may become even more critical to ensuring that older citizens remain active, connected, and valued in society.
